The Mayor of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, Alderman Amanda Grehan, has shown her support for the mobile Breast Screening Unit on the Lagan Valley Hospital site that currently screens up to 50 women every day.
The installation of the unit ensures that patients, aged 50 to 70, in the Lisburn and Castlereagh area can receive their breast screening closer to home when they are invited to attend.
The partnership between the South Eastern and Belfast Health and Social Care Trusts highlights a commitment to enhancing healthcare infrastructure and improving early detection of Breast Cancer, which is crucial for effective treatment and overall patient outcomes.
An advocate of Breast Cancer awareness and screening, Mayor Amanda Greehan stressed how it is, “Absolutely proven that early detection saves lives.”
“The Breast Screening Unit is right here in the heart of Lisburn, this is our City and is very visual on the Lagan Valley Hospital site.
“I have attended all my screening appointments and have received the all clear. However, a close friend who had been screened on the same day as myself was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. Seeing someone that I care about face that journey, the fear, the uncertainty and the challenges along the way, truly brought home how devastating this disease can be. It is a powerful reminder that early detection can make all the difference.”
Mayor Grehan continued, “The appointment and the processes are all explained to you The staff in the Unit are so lovely.”
Offering patients who are called for their screening a calm and reassuring service, Promoting Informed Choice Lead, Paula Kennedy said, “Once you reach the age of 50 to 70, you will receive an automatic screening referral. As long as you are registered with your GP, you can expect that letter to come in the post inviting you for your Breast Screening.”
Paula added, “We have up to 50 women a day coming for their screening. The Breast Screening appointment takes around six minutes with the Mammogram itself only taking a matter of seconds. If you think you may have missed your appointment for whatever reason, give the Team a call and we look forward to seeing you at the Unit.”